Reinforcement spacer



Oct. 28, 1941. HEALE4Y ETAL REINFORCEMENT SPACER Filed Aug. 12, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet I INVENTORS. J fz xmaj/ 27mm USEFH A5575? BY Mwr ATTORNEY oct. 28, 1941. I H; HEALEYHN. I 2,260,914

REINFORCEMENT SPACER Filed Aug. 12, 1959 SSheets-Sheet 2 1N VENTORS. HAEEY ffEALE'Y,

JUEEPH J 5145522 ATTORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 28, 1941 REINFORCEMENT SPACER Harry Healey and Joseph J. Ca'ssidmDetroit,

Mich.

Application August 1 2, 1939, Serial No. 289,726

6 Claims. ,(Cl.f12-'-122) of the type described and claimed in our co-j pending application, Serial No. 261,036. filed March 10, 1939.

In our copending application wehave described and claimed several novel forms of supporting spacers for reinforcing bars which are shaped with seats or saddles for receiving reinforcing bars and provided with novel forms of retaining means associated with the seats for retaining the reinforcing bar against removal. In the present case We describe additional novel forms of supporting spacers. An important feature of the reinforcing bar supporting structures described herein is their low cost of manufacture and the ease and quickness with which they may be installed and operated in a concrete form or the like. Another feature of the present invention is the improved way of'retaining the reinforcing bars against removal after they are properly installed in the spacer units.

Various other objects, advantages and meritorious features will become more fully apparent from the following specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a'fragment of a form and concrete structure showing one type of reinforcing bar support and spacer of the invention described herein,

Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing another type of support and spacer of the invention described herein, I

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the type of support and spacer shown in Fig. 1, I

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the type of support and spacer shown in Fig. 2, I g

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a modified form of support and spacer for reinforcing bars,

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the retainer pin guide for the type of support and spacer shown in Fig. 5,

the support and spacer for supporting the spacer of Fig. 7 in uprigh position,

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional View along line lI-H of Fig. 9,

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a modified support and spacer for reinforcing bars showing the clamping part thereof in one position of its movement,

Fig. 14 is a view similar to-Fig. 12 showing the clamping part in another position of its movement,

I Fig. 15 is a top view of the support and spacer shown'in Fig. 13,

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of another form of support and spacer similar to that shown in Figs. 12 and 13 showing the clamping element thereof in one position of its-movement, 1

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 16 showing the clamping element in another position of its movement, and I Fig. 18 is a top view of the support and spacer of Fig. 17.

column. -In any case, the support and spacer units described herein will serve to properly position the elements or bars in the forms before the concrete is poured and to retain them in fixed position while the concrete is poured and hardens into a permanent set.

Referring to the drawings, in Figs. 1 to '6 inelusive there is shown a particularly desirable type of reinforcing bar support and spacer unit which is economically constructed and easily assembled and operated. In Figs. 1 and 3 the unit is capable of supporting two reinforcing bars in side-by-side relationship. In Figs. 2 and Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a modified form I 4 a t y simplified unit is shown for supporting .a single spacer bar while in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 a similar but slightly modified form of unit is shown.

In all forms of the unit shown in Figs. 1 to '7 inclusive, the primary base portion of the unit is a longitudinally extending member or stringer in the form of a rod [0. This rod may be supported closely adjacent one side of the form or spaced therefrom. In the dual type of unit in Fig. 1 the rod rests upon straight cross rods 12 placed at suitable intervals, one of which is illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, rods l4 bent to provide leg portions i6-l6, are provided for supporting the rod It] at a considerable height above the bottom of the form. In both types the straight rods and bent rods l4 keep the primary rod [8 from turning once it is laid in the form. In both Figures 1 and 2, the hardened concrete or other plastic material is shown at I8. It extends to a higher level than the reinforcing bars indicated in dotted outline at 20 and the support and spacers therefor, and completely embeds the same therevvithin.

Mounted upon the base rods H! are novel retainer member guides shaped in the case of Fig. l for holding two reinforcing bars and in the case of Fig. 2 for holding only one such bar. Essentially these guides comprise spaced upwardly projecting parts on the rods I which form saddles or recesses for receiving the reinforcing bars and a retaining member associated with each guide and bodily movable lengthwise into a position over the saddles or recesses to retain the reinforcing rods held therein. Preferably the guides are formed in a novel way of a strip of sheet metal bent to provide the spaced projections and apertured for mounting the retainer member or pin for movement.

The retainer guide for holding one reinforcing bar comprises a strip of metal bent to provide two spaced parallel vertically extending portions 22-22 which as shown form a saddle or seat for the reinforcing bar. The guide is also provided with an inclined portion 24 for an important purpose to be described later. At the places where the guide member constacts the rod [0, any form of permanent joint may be provided such as by soldering or welding.

Across the top of the guide and parallel to the rod I0, there is a retainer member or pin 26. As a result of the construction of the unit this retainer pin may be an ordinary headed nail as shown. To mount the pin or nail for bodily movement over the reinforcing bar saddle or seat and any object therein, the upstanding portions 22--22 and 24 are apertured in alignment on a level above the top of any reinforcing bar or other element seated between the portions 22-22. It is obvious as a result of.this assembly that the pin or nail 26 is bodily movable lengthwise through the apertures in the raised portions of the unit from a position to one side of the reinforcing bar recess or seat as shown in Fig. 4 to a position overlying the seat and a bar therein as shown in Fig. 2.

To look the retainer pin or rail against withdrawal once it has been shifted over a' reinforcing bar, a novel inexpensive provision is made. As previously explained, raised portion 24 is inclined. Secured to the underside of this portion is a fiat flexible strip or blade of metal 28. This blade may be secured at one end adjacent the rod Ill by a nut and screw assembly 30 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or in a particularly inexpensive way shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The upper end of the blade is free to flex and extends slightly into the path of movement of the retainer pin or nail. Because of the inclined character of the portion 24, the blade 30 will not obstruct lengthwise movement of the retainer member toward and over the reinforcing bar but will, however, resist return movement. The upper edge of the blade will bite into the surface of the retainer pin or nail and positively lock it against withdrawal once it has been shifted over the reinforcing bar.

The dual support and spacer shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is very similar to that described in Figs. 2 and 4, and like parts in both structures are referred to by the same reference numerals. In order to provide two recesses or seats for the two reinforcing bars, the strip of metal forming the two spacedparallel portions 3232 corresponding to portions 22-22 previously described are spaced further apart as shown and a portion 34 is stuck between these portions to divide the space into two seats. The portions 32-32 and 34 as well as the inclined portion 24 are apertured in alignment adjacent their upper edges for receiving a retainer pin or nail 36 which, as shown, is a little longer than the one previously described in order to extend across the two bar seats.

The modification illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 eliminates the screw and nut assembly 30 previously described, and provides an assembly which comprises few parts quickly and economically manufactured and assembled. As shown the lower end of the inclined portion 24 is bent inwardly and upwardly at 38. In non-assembled condition, the retainer guide is like that shown in Fig. 6 and part 38 is spaced from the inclined portion 24. The lower end of the blade 28 is inserted into the fold formed by the part 38 and the latter is crimped to the portion 24 as indicated in Fig. 5 to secure the parts together. The result is a retainer pin guide and seat for one or more reinforcing bars composed of three elements, the metal strip forming the portions 22-22 and 24, the retainer pin or rail 26 and the blade 28.

The modified form of retainer pin guide in Fig. 7 is even simpler in construction and eliminates the need of a separate blade 28. As shown, the folded part 39 corresponding to part 38 is made longer and projects into the path of movement of the retainer pin. It will thus take the place of the blade 28. This provides a unit for receiving and retaining a reinforcing bar composed of only two parts which are simply and easily constructed and assembled.

The reinforcing bar support and spacer shown in Figs. 8 to 12 inclusive comprisesan elongated member or stringer formed of a strip of sheet metal cut out along either or both side margins to form recesses or seats 42 in which reinforcing bars are received. The sheet metal is preferably supported in upright vertical position by novel supports 44 each having the form of a right angle and slotted longitudinally across the bent end of the member as indicated at 46 in Fig. 11. A plurality of these supports are disposed in a line on the floor or side of a concrete casting form with the slots 46 opening upwards. The strip is dropped into the slots and will be thus supported in vertical position.

Adjacent each recess or seat 42 is a novel retainer for the reinforcing bar inserted therein. These retainer members are pivoted to the strip 40 and in one position of their pivotal movement they overlie the adjacent recess 42 and any object therein. Two such forms of pivotal retainers are shown in these figures. Associated with each form of retainer is novel means for positively locking the retainer against pivotal movement when it overlies the adjacent seat for the reinforcing bar.

One such form of pivotal retainer is shown in the left hand section of Figs, 8, 9 and 10 and side of the Stringer as is readily understood. 1

The retainer member a's previously described is L-'.shaped. As a result-a part 58 thereof will project into the recess r [seat 42 and be depressed by a reinforcing bar descending into the seat.- Thiswillcause another part 60 of the L- shaped member 'to" swing over the bar into the position shown in Fig. 9. To positively lock the retainer against movement after it has been swung over the bar, the form of retainer shown in the left side of Figs. 8, 9 and 10 is provided with a wire 62 secured at one end 64 to the stringer and having its opposite free end 66 disposed alongside of the side of the retainer and bent thereagainst. A hole is provided in the stringer 40 opposite the bent free end of the wire but normally the bent end is obstructed from entering this hole by the retainer member. However, a hole 63 is provided in the retainer member which whenthe same overlies the reinforcing rod as in Fig. 9 is capable of receiving the bent end of the wire and allow it to pass through and into the hole in the stringer. The resulting position of the parts is shown in Fig. 12.

The form of retainer member on the right hand section of the structure in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 is generally similar to that on the left side but differs slightly in the manner of locking the retainer member against pivotal movement when it overlies a reinforcing bar. Instead of a wire 62, the retainer member 50 itself is provided with a part or tang 10 which enters a hole 12 in the side of the stringer. Two lock washers are preferably provided in this modification, one at 56 like that previously described and the other on the opposite side of the stringer. When the nut 54 is loosened the washers will space the retainer member 50 from the side of the stringer so that the tang ill will clear the side of the stringer.

However, when the retainer member is pivoted to the position in Fig. 9 and the nut 54 tightened, the tang 10 will enter hole 12 and lock the member against any further pivotal movement.

In the modification shown in Figs. 14 to 18 inclusive, the essential feature is a retainer member which is bendable or foldable over a reinforcing bar and also at the same time has a part which will enter beneath the bar. In Figs. 13, 14 and 15 the parts are formed of sections of sheet metal. In Figs. 16, 1'7 and 18 the parts are formed of wire members.

Referring to Figs. 13, 14 and 15, the base portion of the support and spacer comprises a strip of metal 8!] having portions bent downwardly to form legs 82 for maintaining the support in raised condition. A member 84 of foldable sheet metal composition is secured at one end to the top side of the strip 8G. It is preferably formed with a slight hump 86 for fitting over a reinforcing bar 88 when the latter is laid crosswise on the strip adjacent to the connection of the member to the strip.

Provided on the member 84, whether integrally formed therewith or not, is means which projectstowardthe-secured end of the memberand partially into the area under the hump 86. This means willfit'under the' reinforcing bar as the member is folded-thereover and when folded to itsxfu'llest extent 'will tightly clamp the bar to the strip in the manner shown in Fig. 13. The

projecting means described in the illustrated embodiment comprises two elements or tongues 99 struck fromthe strip along opposite sides of the strip. These elements are slightly curved tofit under the bar-as the member is folded thereover.

fIhe modificationin Figs. 16, 17 and 18 is similar but compressed I of wire elements. The support corresponding to' the strip in Figs. 12, 13 and. 14 is composed of two parallel. slightly spaced longitudinal wires 92-92. The wires are supported in raiseda condition by. legs '94 'of' the character of legs 14 in Figs.'2 and 4, the two elements being soldered or welded together at their points of contact. The member corresponding to member 84 is indicated at 96 and comprises a single wire having a hump 98 and secured at one end as by soldering or welding to cross members or straps I00 extending between the two longitudinal wires 92-432.

The opposite free end of member 96 is bent over to form an eye H12 and extending there-v through is a U-shaped element I04 corresponding in function to the elements -90 of the previous 'modification. The closed end of the U- shaped element extends through the eye as shown, and the legs of the element extend surficiently far so as to project into the area below the hump 98. Straddling the legs of the element is a cross member I06 to which thefree end section of member 96 is secured in any suitable way such as by soldering or welding. The operation of this wire made modification is similar to the previously described modification.

What We claim is:

1. A reinforcing bar support comprising a stringer, an upwardly open U-shaped reinforcing bar saddle element mounted on said stringer and forming a seat for a reinforcing bar, the two legs of the U-shaped seat provided with apertures in alignment at a level above that of a reinforcing bar received in said seat, and a retainer pin bodily lengthwise, movable in said apertures and adapted in one position to overlie the seat and. look a reinforcing bar therewithin, and a flexible metal strip engaging the retainer pin and yieldingly urging it against one side of one of said apertures.

2. A reinforcing bar support comprising a stringer having a saddle seat portion into which a reinforcing bar may be received and retained, said saddle portion being apertured to receive a retainer pin and having an apertured retainer pin guide disposed adjacent said portion, a retainer pin bodily lengthwise movable through the apertures in said guide and saddle seat portion and adapted in one position to overlie said seat and in another position to be supported within the guide offside the open seat, and means locking said retainer pin against return movement once it is extended over said seat.

3. A reinforcing bar support comprising a stringer provided with an upwardly open U- ible metal element secured to the guide and engaging said pin at an angle to allow the pin to be advanced over the seat from the guide but preventing return movement of the same.

4. A reinforcing bar support comprising a stringer provided with a reinforcing bar saddle seat and retainer pin guide formed of a strip of metal bent to form one or more upwardly open U-shaped saddle seats and a pin guide portion adjacent thereto, said seat and guide portion provided with aligned pin apertures, a retainer pin mounted for lengthwise bodily movement through said apertures from a position within the guide to a position to overlie the seat or seats to form a lock for any bars disposed therein.

5. A reinforcing bar support comprising, in combination, a stringer, a U-shaped reinforcing bar saddle seat mounted on said stringer and provided with an adjacent guide portion, said guide portion and seat provided with pin apertures, a pin slidable through said apertures, said guide having an inclined spring metal strip projecting slightly into the path of movement of the pin extending through the aligned apertures and engaging said pin.

6.- A reinforcing bar support comprising a stringer, a U-shaped saddle seat carried by the stringer and formed of a metal strip having a part at one side of the seat forming a pin guide, pin apertures through said seat and part, a pin slidable through said apertures, said part having a flexible portion extending angularly toward and into engagement with the pin between the part and the seat to hold the pin in position when moved over the seat.

HARRY HEALEY. JOSEPH J. CASSIDY. 

